pushed for time

USAGE SUMMARY

"pushed for time" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to be in a hurry or have limited time to complete a task or reach a destination. Example: I'm sorry, I can't stay and chat. I'm really pushed for time and need to finish this project before the deadline.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Pushed for time?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But we're really pushed for time and I want to go on a Downtown Tour.

The Guardian - Travel

She's already extended a 30-minute consult and I'm pushed for time.

The Guardian - Opinion

If you're pushed for time, there are easy ways of introducing decluttering into your life.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The exceptions would be the odd occasion when I'm really pushed for time and the press release can be trusted.

The Guardian

No matter how pushed for time I am, I always make sure people are comfortable and safe.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Some conservatives indicated Friday night that they would push for time to study the new legislation before any final vote.

The New York Times

"We are pushing for time against when the next earthquake will occur, and that's why there's this urgency about this," said Amy Rein Worth, the chairwoman of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, one of the organizations involved in the construction, and the mayor of Orinda, a city in the East Bay.

The New York Times

Now he's keeping an eye on BP spill cams for the species he studies and pushing for time on ROVs stationed at Thunder Horse, a BP-operated production rig, he says.

Science Magazine

We push to turn back time with countless anti-aging creams and plastic surgery that promise to reveal the fountain of youth, all while pushing for time to move faster, harder.

HuffPost

The few drivers out on the track are testing out strategies, rather than pushing for times.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating that tasks were completed despite time constraints, use "pushed for time" to highlight efficiency and prioritization.

Common error

Avoid using "pushed for time" when the lack of time led to negative outcomes; instead, consider alternatives like "due to time constraints" to maintain objectivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pushed for time" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a subject by indicating their state of being hurried or having limited time. Ludwig examples confirm this usage, showing it describing individuals or situations where time is a constraint.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

14%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pushed for time" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey a sense of urgency or a lack of available time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports to everyday conversations. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science and Wiki sources, it serves to explain behaviors or constraints resulting from time limitations. While generally neutral in tone, careful consideration should be given to ensure its connotation aligns with the intended message. Alternatives such as "pressed for time" or "short on time" can be used to vary the expression while retaining the core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pressed for time

Uses "pressed" instead of "pushed", implying a similar sense of urgency.

rushed for time

Replaces "pushed" with "rushed", emphasizing the hurried nature.

short on time

Focuses on the lack of sufficient time.

time-constrained

A more formal way of saying limited time is available.

in a hurry

Highlights the state of being hurried.

up against the clock

Emphasizes the pressure of a looming deadline.

under time pressure

Highlights the stress associated with limited time.

strapped for time

Similar to "short on time", but with a sense of being restricted.

against the clock

Very similar meaning of a race to complete something before the time runs out.

limited time available

States directly that time is not abundant

FAQs

What does "pushed for time" mean?

The phrase "pushed for time" means that someone is in a hurry or has very little time available to complete a task or activity.

How can I use "pushed for time" in a sentence?

You can use "pushed for time" to explain why you need to do something quickly. For example, "I can't talk right now, I'm really "pushed for time"."

What can I say instead of "pushed for time"?

You can use alternatives like "pressed for time", "short on time", or "in a hurry".

Is "pushed for time" formal or informal?

"Pushed for time" is generally considered to be neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.